John Zender


I am John Zender, owner of Starr Cycle in North Mankato. I was born in Butterfield, MN where my parents still live today. My family farmed and that is how I spent most of my youth, farming. But farming wasn’t in my cards; I had the need for something more exhilarating. After years of professional motorcycle drag racing, serving as a MSF motorcycle safety instructor, wrenching on my bikes as well as my customers, and suffering the many pitfalls of the powersports industry has led me here today.

This business is the evolution of a lifetime battle in the powersports industry. I have seen many dealerships and service shops come and go over the years; some of which I owned! In 1990 I decided to focus on what I do best, fix motorcycles. I opened a service only shop in Mankato and focused on wrenching. For several years I maintained and repaired motorcycles for Mankato area riders. Turns out, this worked! Year after year my small service business slowly grew.

In 2006 I decided to purchase the local Yamaha dealership and continue to grow Starr Cycle. Now we have multiple brands, stock tons of riding gear and accessories, the area’s best service, and are actively involved in promoting Motorcycles, ATVs and sleds in our area. I am fortunate that I was able to turn my love of motorcycles into a livelihood. Stop in and let me put my years of experience to work for you. No matter your need, we are here to serve you.

John's birthday is March 31st, 1955